Species: Sonneratia apetala 

English Name: Mangrove apple

Chinese Name: 無瓣海桑

Family: Lythraceae

Description:

It is sparsely distributed but the tallest among the mangrove species in Macao, growing up to a height of about 15-20 meters. It can also be distinguished by its dark or black bark and very round fruits.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:
Araño-Tagulao, K, Chan, SK,Wong, S., Ang, PO, Kam, K. Macao’s Mangroves, University of Saint, Joseph, 2012.

Species: Kandelia obovata

English Name: Kandelia

Chinese Name: 秋茄

Family: Rhizophoraceae

Description:
A species mainly distinguished by its candle- or pen-like droppers hanging on tree branches. It is widely distributed in Macao and can be found from the back to the seaward edge of the mangrove forests.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:
Araño-Tagulao, K, Chan, SK,Wong, S., Ang, PO, Kam, K. Macao’s Mangroves, University of Saint, Joseph, 2012.

Species: Aegiceras corniculatum

English Name: River Mangrove

Chinese Name: 桐花樹

Family: Mysinaceae

Description:

Like Acanthus, it is also a dominant and widely distributed mangrove species in Macao, mainly found from the mid to the seaward edge of mangrove forests. A shrub or short tree with usually reddish petioles.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:
Araño-Tagulao, K, Chan, SK,Wong, S., Ang, PO, Kam, K. Macao’s Mangroves, University of Saint, Joseph, 2012.

Species: Acanthus ilicifolius

English Name: Sea Holly

Chinese Name: 老鼠簕

Family: Acanthaceae

Description:

One of the most dominant mangrove species in Macao, usually found both in the margins and back mangroves. It is a shrub easily distinguished by its spiny stems and leaves. Mature leaves have sharp serrated edges.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:
Araño-Tagulao, K, Chan, SK,Wong, S., Ang, PO, Kam, K. Macao’s Mangroves, University of Saint, Joseph, 2012.